Geraldton Croquet Club’s Fun Day Presentations and Awards

The following presentations and awards were made at the Geraldton Croquet Club’s Fun Day, annual presentation and dinner on Sunday 14th December 2014.

Trevor Hansen Trophy (Golf Croquet Handicap Singles) - Arthur (Sharkey) Ryan

Bill Barnes Cup (Association Croquet Handicap Singles) Winner - Peter Clift 
Runner-up - Anne Bunter                    

Alan Marsh Shield (Golf Croquet Handicap singles) - Sheridan Stopps

G.C.C. Golf Championships Open Division - Peter Clift

G.C.C. Golf Championships Second Division - Jenny Morris

Geraldton Croquet Club Association Championship - Trevor Hansen

George & Mollie Brown Shield (Association Croquet) Handicap Singles - Wilf Gregory

Anne Bunter Golden Mallet (Golf Handicap doubles) -  Ken & Jenny Morris

Bob Scott Memorial Trophy (Novice player encouragement award) - Paul Dodson

Gratte Cup (1 Day Golf Croquet Competition) - Jenny Morris

Blanche Martin Shield (Association Handicap Doubles) - Ruth Shave & Trevor Hansen
Runners-up - Beryl Scott & Peter Clift

Captain's Trophy - Sheryl Cant

President's Trophy - Peter Clift

Trevor Hansen and Kay.Chynoweth scored their 1st 12 hoop breaks in Association at G.C.C. in 2014 They were presented with stamped key rings. This is not Kay’s first 12 hoop break but the award is for a break at Geraldton.

Bats, bibs and balls for Christmas

Sports clubs throughout Geraldton have received an early Christmas present thanks to the State Government’s equipment scheme which provides up to $500 for new gear.

Everything from referee jerseys to tennis nets have been purchased by clubs that received a grant under the Community Sporting Club Equipment Scheme.

The scheme, which started last year, gives regional and metropolitan sporting clubs around Western Australia a one-off $500 subsidy to spend on increasing or upgrading shared sporting equipment accessible to all club members.

Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney MLA said 12 clubs in the electorate were among the 402 clubs which received the grants.

The Geraldton-based clubs with their equipment funded under the scheme are:

• Batavia United Football Club (Balls, training equipment (bibs, cones, goals), goalie gloves, uniform [with additional funding required])
• Geraldton Bowling Club Inc. (Coach Training Kit which will be used also by club members)
• Geraldton Harriers Club Inc. (Flag Markers for the safe marking of courses.)
• Geraldton Little Athletics Centre (New discus', shotputs and turbo javelins)
• Geraldton Internationals Rugby Union Club (New playing kit)
• Geraldton Roller Derby League Inc. (cone markers, referee jerseys, helmet covers for game playand practice, agility ladder, bibs, storage bag for training equipment)
• Geraldton Surf Life Saving Inc. (rescue tubes)
• Spalding Park Tennis Club Inc. (Tennis balls/nets for upcoming season)
• Tarcoola Park Tennis Club (tennis nets for junior and senior tennis)
• Towns Cricket Club (Cricket Balls, Cricket Stumps, Boundary Markers)
• Walkaway Pony Club Inc. (Quik release jump cups. new safety requirement)
• Wonthella Bowling Club Inc. (Orbital Bowling Measure)

“In total,. $201,000 was awarded with 165 applications from regional WA and 237 in the metropolitan area. Subsidies for regional clubs are provided through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program,” Mr Blayney said. 

The scheme provides regional clubs with direct assistance to help with the cost of shared equipment. 

Administered by the Department of Sport and Recreation, the four-year scheme will grant $1 million to metropolitan clubs and $1 million to regional clubs. Applications for the next round open in March 2015.

Bodyboarding Legend to visit Geraldton

Hardy celebrates winning The Pipeline Pro 2009: Alex Ormerod

Bodyboarding legend Ryan Hardy will be visiting Geraldton on the 27th of December 2014 to host a coaching clinic in his quest to promote bodyboarding across regional WA.

Hardy from Margaret River is one of the most famous bodyboarders in the world having won World Tour events in Hawaii, Tahiti, Chile and Australia leading him to finish 2nd in the world in 2006 and 2011. Hardy is also attributed with re-defining the modern style of bodyboarding and riding some of the most dangerous waves on the planet without a jetski assist!

Now heavily involved in bodyboard coaching and development through his bodyboarding school (ryanhardybodyboardingschool.com.au) Hardy has decided to share his expertise with the bodyboarders across the state.TheGeraldton event will also be run in conjunction with Midwest Surf School and Bali Bodyboarding.

Hardy shares his knowledge: Cian Salmon/ Bali Bodyboarding

Hardy commented from the Canary Islands where he is on tour for his sponsor Funkshen Bodyboards:

‘Geraldton had a reputation for breeding Australian champions and World Tour competitors in the early 2000s (Sean Virtue, Ben Sukiennik and Kris Nelson) so I am really excited to come up to Geraldton, meet the bodyboarders and do some coaching in Geraldton.’

This event is open to all ages and abilities. Interested participants can register on line at ryanhardybodyboardingschool.com.au to partake in the 2 hour coaching session on the 27th of December 2014.

Hardy carves in Bali: Cian Salmon/ Bali Bodyboarding

Support grants launched for Geraldton and surrounding regional businesses

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said this afternoon that State Government grants of up to $25,000 are now available to help regional businesses in Geraldton and the Mid West improve their competitiveness and engage with major projects in Western Australia.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the second regional round of the Industry Facilitation and Support Program (IFSP) would enable eligible small to medium-sized businesses to apply for up to $25,000 in matched funding through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Mr Blayney said he welcomed IFS program and said the grants had been put to good use in the first round purchasing new equipment, upgrading facilities, engaging expert consultants and providing staff with specialised training.

“There are many opportunities for regional businesses and economies to benefit from major projects happening across Western Australia,” Mr Mischin said.

“Engaging local businesses and supporting them in entering new markets and supply chains strengthens local economies bringing enormous flow-on benefits to communities.

“A total of $400,000 was awarded to 31 companies in the first round, resulting in the creation of more than 20 new jobs, six apprenticeship positions and generating almost 70 contracts worth more than $21 million.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the second round of the program had been broadened, with the amount available increasing from $20,000 to $25,000 and the turnover threshold cap boosted.

Mr Redman said eligible sectors had expanded to include agribusiness and tourism and previous IFSP recipients would also be eligible to apply.

“I am pleased to see Royalties for Regions funding supporting regional businesses and economies to engage in major markets and also look beyond our borders to national and international supply chains,” he said.

“The IFSP assists businesses to increase their competitiveness and help them succeed as suppliers to major market including the resources, utilities, food, tourism and government sectors.”

 
Visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/industry-and-innovation/industry-facilitation-and-support-program-ifsp-regional-round-2 for more information.

 Contact:    Ian Blayney:- (office) 08 99641640 or (mob) 0428 244 020

Basketball fees increase to include entry fee

The Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association season commenced on Monday with a significant change in fee structure.

Both juniors and seniors have incurred a price rise when signing up for the 14/15 season as the season's fees now incorporate stadium entry fees. 

Players and spectators no longer have to pay when they walk into the stadium, except during finals. 

Depending on the club, some junior fees have increased $80, and senior fees up to $90 from last season. 

With approximately 21 games in a season for a senior, and last season's door entry for seniors being $5 per game, it would have cost over $100 a year for door entry. So with an appoximate increase of $90 to fees and not paying every time you walk in, a player is actually saving money, should they attended all of their games.

Actual fee increases to individuals are set by the clubs and not GABA, and include other variables including how many players are on the team. 

GABA president Peter Brown said he hadn’t received complaints about the price changes and that many seemed happy with the change.

GABA numbers show that there are 10 more junior teams nominated this season year but 4-less senior teams.

Mr Brown also said that GABA had extended the time that fees had to be paid by clubs.

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Here how the GABA's fees to clubs differ from last year:

2013/14 Season
Junior Team Nomination: $600 per team
Player Levy: $20

Senior team nomination Div 1: $1200 per team
Senior team nomination Div 2: $1100 per team
Senior team nomination other div: $1000 per team

Entry Fees:
Friday: $3 for players and spectators
Saturday/Sunday: $2 for players and spectators
Senior Players: $5
Senior Spectators: $3

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2014/15 Season
Junior Team Nomination: $1,040 per team
Player Levy: $20

Senior team nomination Div 1: $2,090 per team
Senior team nomination Div 2: $1,970 per team
Senior team nomination other div: $1,850 per team

Entry Fees:  
FREE entry for spectators and players for the whole season, excluding finals, for Junior and Seniors.

All Finals for Juniors – Spectators and players: $3 each
All Finals for Seniors – Spectators and players: $5 each

Midwest girl represents Australia in Polocrosse

Midwest woman Lauren Cant has hit the big time in Polocrosse after she was chosen for the Australian Women's Polocrosse team.

The 20-year-old who has been playing for 14 years, played in the winning senior women's side at the Darwin Nationals in July of this year.

After that performance, Lauren was selected into the Australian squad.

This weekend Lauren will play in the Australia vs. New Zealand Polocrosse test here in Geraldton.

For more information about the this weekend's test, click here. 

Pre-purchase GNFL Grand Final tickets

Heading to the GNFL Grand Final this Sunday at the Recreation Ground? Keen to avoid delays waiting in line to get in?

PRE-PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE 2014 GNFL GRAND FINAL.

Simply call into the Department of Sport and Recreation Office, 270 Foreshore Drive between 8:30am-4:30pm Thursday 11th September and Friday 12th September to purchase your tickets.

CASH or CHEQUE ONLY, unfortunately no eftpos facility is available.

If you are pre-purchasing tickets, be sure to keep hold of them until Sunday, lost tickets will not be replaced and you will have to pay the gate staff again to get in, don't say you haven't been warned!

GNFL finals admission prices are the same as the semi-final and prelim-final held the previous two weeks.

Prices: $12 Adults, $9 Aged Concession Only, $3 Car, $3 Budget, $5 Kids 13-17, Free Kids 12 & Under.

Send off parade for the Buccs

The City has announced a massive send-off parade for the Suncity Plumping Geraldton Buccaneers by the Mayor to take place this Thursday at 5pm in the CBD.

The parade will involve all of the Buccaneers players, prior to making their way to Perth to play in the SBL Grand Finals.

Organisers want as many Buccaneers supporters as possible to line the streets on Marine Terrace.

City CEO, Ken Diehm, said the City will decorate the street in blue and yellow and work with businesses to make their shop fronts look amazing.

“We want a massive send off for our boys as they represent Geraldton in the Grand Finals. We want it to be a huge send-off,” he said.

“The Buccs will slowly drive down Marine Terrace from Freemasons to the Basketball Court on the Foreshore.”

Buccaneers General Manager, Andrew Horstman, said having this amount of community spirit has helped us win the last two games.

“It has been phenomenal, we never thought this much support would have such a positive effect,” he said.

“The whole campaign has been game changing and we encourage everyone to come to Marine Terrace this Thursday at 5pm to cheer the team on”

The streets will be covered in blue and yellow, Buccs Cheerleaders chanting and an official send-off from the Mayor will be part of the occasion.

Spirit FM will be doing a live broadcast from the basketball courts with pumping music.

The Mayor will present the Best Individual Buccaneer with a cheque for $500 and Best Dressed Business with $750.

For more information contact the City of Greater Geraldton (08) 9956 6600.

Mayor declares “Dress as a Buccaneer Day”

Dress like a Bucc - A4 poster

After the Buccs epic one point win last weekend the City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, today declared next Friday (August 22) as “Dress as a Buccaneer Day” and wants to see the whole City get behind the Buccs with their big game in the semi-finals against Lakeside Lightning this weekend in Perth.

Mayor Carpenter said he wants to see shops decorate their windows, people dressings up as Buccaneers and the team’s colours of blue and yellow light up the town.

“We would like to see Geraldton come alive in a sea of yellow and blue to give the team the community support they need to keep winning,” he said.

“The whole of Geraldton has a great opportunity to help our basketball team go through to the next round.”

Buccaneers General Manager, Andrew Horstman, said the support from the community helped the Buccaneers get over the line last weekend.

“The support was just incredible, there was a sea of yellow and blue and a great energy to help our players secure the Quarter Finals,” he said.

City Chief Executive Officer, Ken Diehm, said big prizes are up for grabs thanks to generous support of the Buccaneers sponsors.

“We have a prize of $500 for best dressed BUCC and $750 for best dressed business,” he said.

“Send in your photos to the Buccaneers Facebook page where the Mayor and a panel of judges will select the winners and will be announced Friday August 29.

“Let’s see the whole of Geraldton get behind the Buccs on the road to victory,” said Mr Diehm.

For more information or to send a photo of your costume or shop front email to enquiries@geraldtonbuccaneers.com.au. Photos can also be submitted to the Geraldton Buccaneers Basketball Club Facebook page.

Quiz night with a great cause

Anyone who has followed the Geraldton Buccaneers from back in the mid-nineties will remember valued player Roneil Powell. Ron was part of the 1997 Buccs team featured great players including Dan Hunt, Greg Brown and Andrew Kennedy.

Ron was known for being a true team player.

On Sunday February 2, former Buccs import player Roneil Powell, 43, unexpectedly passed away of a cardiac arrest.

The devastating news comes just days after the family’s 4-year-old son Ezequiel was diagnosed with a rare form of inoperable cancer.

Ron is American and his wife Alex Porrata, daughter Yolanda and son Ezequiel reside in California’s Marin County.

On a website dedicated to Ezequiel and Ron, Ron is described as, “a beautiful man, beloved by everyone who knew him.”

Ron is remembered as being team orientated and loved his friends and family. He was down to earth and enjoyed life, especially his time in Geraldton. He even became a fire fighter around 2002/03 (after September 11).

To help out Ron’s family, the Geraldton Buccaneers will host a Quiz Night on Thursday, 31st July 2014 to raise much needed funds to help with the ongoing medical costs for Ez.

The funds will go to the family through the website to help care for Ron’s family.

The Buccs would love to have as many people as possible attend to make it a great, fun night and to raise the all important funds to help Ron’s family.

Date - Thursday 31st July 2014

Where - Activewest Stadium 8th street Wonthella

Time - Doors open 6.15pm quiz starts at 7pm.

Cost - $15 per person all tickets to be pre booked no door sales on the night.

If you can't make the quiz night but would like to donate, click here.

If you would like more information or to book a table, contact Ryan Thompson - 0408 954 311 or Lana Thompson 0408 924 523.

Midnight basketball new tournament starting August 8

Midnight Basketball’s tenth tournament concluded last month but another one is just around the corner! Another tournament will be starting up again with week one commencing on Friday, August 8.

Each eight-week program includes a hot nutritious meal for players and volunteers, life-skills workshops, bus rides home for each player, awards night after the grand final and of course a whole lot of fun.Come and volunteer for Tournament 11 and see which teams will battle it out at the end of the program.

Volunteers are wanted each night for team managers, bus drivers and bus supervisors, catering helpers, general assistants, scorers and so much more.

Fully organised by a local Midnight Basketball Community Committee, with members from Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association, Centacare, PCYC, School Drug Education and Road Aware (SDERA), Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) and the City of Greater Geraldton; the program enables youth to engage with sport in a healthy and safe environment.

City of Greater Geraldton’s Coordinator Community Development, Yvonne Lovedee, said the success of Midnight Basketball is made possible because of volunteers.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the Midnight Basketball program by providing a safe, happy and cooperative environment, they also provide the chance for youth to engage with a diverse range of community members who share their friendship, knowledge, and access to future opportunities,” she said.

“Without the support of our volunteers the program would not be possible.” Come and see how you can help, each night requires 15 volunteers."

For more information contact: Yvonne 0400 207 627 or visit the Midnight Basketball Geraldton website on www.midnightbasketball.org.au/Locations/geraldton/Pages/default.aspx.

Roller Derby Action

If you didn't make it to the Rollerderby on Sat night, here's a taste of what went down. Looking forward to the next event girls!

Post by Sin City Rollers Geraldton Roller Derby.

Post by James Thompson.

Post by James Thompson.

Post by James Thompson.

7 reasons you need to check out Geraldton's coolest and newest sport

If you haven't heard of Roller Derby, here's why you need to check it out

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It's got attitude

Post by Sin City Rollers Geraldton Roller Derby.

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It's got humour

Post by Sin City Rollers Geraldton Roller Derby.

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It's not dominated by men, like just about every other sport

Post by Sin City Rollers Geraldton Roller Derby.

(notice the high percentage of females)

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It's fast

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It takes skill

Post by Sin City Rollers Geraldton Roller Derby.

(actually I have no idea what's happening in this photo)

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People get hurt

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It's got great artwork

(It's the details that make all the difference)

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And a shoutout to the City of Greater Geraldton who just gave $2,828 from the community grants program to go towards the upcoming Sin City Slam.

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The Sin City Slam

Geraldton Roller Derby are proud to present THE SIN CITY SLAM 2014 - a Roller Derby Event. Starts at 6.30pm till about 10 on Saturday June 28 at Activewest Basketball Stadium, Eighth St, Wonthella.

This is the first time that the Mid West will be able to watch a game of Roller Derby!

With 2 Roller Derby bouts for the price of 1, featuring local skaters and officials, along with visitors from all over the state. It will be a night of good VS evil, with entertainment throughout the evening.

Doors open at 6.30pm, first whistle at 7pm. Roller Derby merch will be available for purchase, cash only.

The ActiveWest Basketball Stadium canteen will also be operating.

This is a family friendly, alcohol free event.

This event could not have taken place without the support of; The City of Greater Geraldton, MMG, Activewest Real Estate, Geraldton Property Team, Geraldton Toyota and Young Motors.

For more information contact Roxanne Grant on 0428 286 064.

Tickets can be bought online from trybooking.com/81902, Geraldton CD Centre or the Bootenal Family Tavern.

Tickets: Adults (children 13+) $15 | Child (4-12) $5 | Family (2 adults, 2 children) $35 | Children 3 and under are free. Bout 1: Easy A's vs Chastity Belters Bout 2: She Devils vs Excorcists

If you still don't have a clue what Roller Derby is, watch this:

Weekly Sports Wrap

Basketball The Geraldton Buccaneers have had their 9th straight win on the weekend in a home game against the Stirling Senators, 106-84. Buccs' Aaron Ralph had a great time under the bucket sinking 49 points. It was Luke Wrensted's 150th game in in front of a crowd of over 1000 as the home side took victory. They still remain on top of the SBL ladder and will take on Willetton Tigers this weekend at home.

Football

Brigades have gone to top spot on the GNFL ladder just ahead on Towns on percentage as they are both on 24 points. It wasn't a good weekend for Towns as they were beaten by Railways, 100-71. But a huge margin put Brigades in-front as they easily overcame Chapman Valley 229-58. In the third game of the weekend it was Mullewa who trumped Rovers, 123-79.

Netball

It was probably the first game that Falcons were really put through their paces this season. The undefeated side managed a 49-32 win over Aztecs but it was a hard fought out match with Aztecs applying tight pressure, but Falcons were just too strong. Pumas and Kazuals battled it out hard as well but it was Kazuals who came out on-top, 52-37.

Soccer

Olympic FC had an epic 13-nil defeat over La Fiamma in the Men's A-grade competition. Shannon Jones scored a match-high 5 goals for Olympic with 5 other goal scorers. Chapman Athletic had a win over Rovers 2-1 in the other Men's game.

In the women's game Rovers netted 9 goals to 0 for Batavia United. Chapman Athletic also kept their opponents, La Fiamma Scorchers, scoreless in a 4-0 win. It was much the same for Marconi as they defeated Saints 4-0 while La Fiamma Red defeated Olympic FC 1-0.

Hockey

It was a high scoring match in the Men's A-grade game between Rovers and Australs with Rovers taking a 7-2 win. Cameron Mercer scored a handy 3-goals for Rovers and Pete Murray chimed in with a further 2. Casuals had a comfortable 4-1 win over Murchison and it was Saints who kept Yacht Club Scoreless 1-0.

There were some closer match ups in the women's A-grade games over the weekend. Jessica Ronan netted one goal for saints to see her side overcome Yacht Club 1-0. Cardinals had an easy 3-goal win over Australs and Murchison had a 2-1 win over Swans.

No Smoking signs kicking around footy club

Brigades Football Club at Eadon Clarke Oval embraced World No Tobacco Day on May 31 with new ‘no smoking’ signage at their grounds, and an award from the City of Greater Geraldton in recognition of promoting a strong, healthy community.

Using funding from the Department of Health through the Public Health Advocacy Institute of Western Australia (PHAIWA), and Curtin University, the City of Greater Geraldton is working to implement No Smoking projects in Geraldton and Mullewa under the Tobacco Control Grants Scheme. The grants provide funds to allow local governments across the State to expand smoke-free spaces.

Under this scheme a project to install 100 no smoking signs designed by school children was undertaken, and the students received awareness education on tobacco dangers, and support in their art class to create the designs. The signs were designed to complement the standard no smoking signs to make them more accepted in the community.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said local sports clubs were asked if they would like to have a sign from the project installed at their club.

“Many did, and the City produced and installed signs at the clubs and chose Brigades Football Club for the award, as they had already taken the initiative to make their sports ground smoke free,” he said.

“I am pleased to present this award recognising promoting a strong, healthy community on World No Tobacco Day today.”

Students from John Willcock College contributed to the best four designs chosen for different locations including playgrounds, foreshore and sports grounds. All designs were displayed in the Geraldton Regional Library.

Weekly Sports Wrap Up

Basketball:  The Geraldton Buccaneers sit on top of the SBL ladder after round 13 of the competition. The Buccs played in front of a massive home crowd on Saturday night at Activewest Stadium against Lakeside Lightening and managed to pull off a 90-83 point win. The side was without import Odartey Blankson as he has returned back to the US to start rehab on a knee injury but new import Jerrah Young put on the Buccs’ singlet for the first time and didn’t disappoint. It was a big win for the Buccs with Bennie Lewis top scoring for the side with 28-points, Carter Cook added 20 points as did Aaron Ralph. The Buccs will have another home fixture this weekend, Saturday June 14th, as they take on the 8th placed Stirling Senators. Tip off is at 7:30, tickets are available at the door.

Soccer:

Olympic FC managed a 9-2 win over Chapman Athletic on Saturday afternoon. Olympic maintain their top spot position on the ladder with Chapman Athletic in 2nd spot. It was a tight clash between Rovers and La Fiamma in round 4 of the competition with Rovers coming out on top 3-2. Rovers currently sit in 3rd spot and La Fiamma in 4th but it is only percentages that differentiate the two sides as they both sit on 3 points.

It was an absolute thumping in the women’s match between Chapman Athletic and Batavia United in round three, with Chapman Athletic booting a high 15 goals to Batavia’s none. Scores were all level in the Olympic vs La Fiamma Scorchers with the final whistle sounding and scores were 3-all. It was a tight match-up between Saints and La Fiamma Red but it was the Saints who took home the 2-1 win. In the other women’s match it was Rovers who trumped Marconi 2-0.

Netball:

There were 2 convincing wins in last week’s senior one fixtures with Pumas defeating Lightning 51-27 and Falcons had an easy 66-36 win over Kazuals. It looked as though the margin might be a bit closer in the Pumas, Lightning match but a second half haul by Pumas put them well ahead of their opponents. Pre-game it looked as though it might have been a good match-up between Falcons and Kazuals but it wasn’t the case. Falcons were just too good for Kazuals and the 30-goal win was added to Falcons’ perfect record so far this season

Football:

There were some high-scoring matches over the weekend in Round 7 of the GNFL League competition. Brigades booted a whopping 194 points to their opponent’s 74 points. Towns also had a big score and a big margin as they overcame Northampton, 143-67. It was a closer match-up between Rovers and Railways but it was Rovers who came out on top, 112-85. Towns currently remain on top spot on the GNFL ladder closely followed by Brigades.

Hockey:

Australs kept Yacht Club scoreless in the Women's A-Grade match with a 3-nil win to Australs. Sue Mundy scored 2 goals for the winning side with Annalee Taylor adding 1. Murchison had a 3-goal win over saints, 5-2, with Brooke Elwood, Jolie Delroy and Kate Scally named best players for the winning side. Swans managed one goal against Cardinals but it wasn't enough as Swans went down 4-1.

As the final whistle sounded in the men's A-grade match between Rovers and Casuals it was 2-all. The other two men's matches were close as well with Saints winning 2-1 over Murchison and Yacht Club taking home a 2-1 win over Australs.

Weekly Sports Wrap Up

Basketball The Geraldton Buccaneers clinched another two big wins last weekend and our home team currently sits in top spot! The Buccs managed a 9-point with over Mandurah Magic on Saturday night in Mandurah and Sunday was their real test. The side took on the Perth Redbacks and in an exciting match they won 100-98. Heading into the last quarter the Buccs were down 85-77 but they pulled out all stops in the last quarter to take the 2-point win.

The Buccs will take on Lakeside Lightning tomorrow night at Activewest stadium. Unfortunately import Odartey Blankson is out with injury but the side has welcomed new import Jerrah Young who will enter the court for the first time tomorrow night. Tip off is at 7:30pm and tickets are available at the door.

Football 

There were some big margins in the GNFL’s round 6 of the competition. Towns still remain on top of the ladder after an easy 155-49 win over Chapman Valley on the weekend. It was much the same for Brigades as they managed a big 123-point win over Railways. Northampton were also too good for Rovers in another big margin win, 190-81. This weekend Rovers and Railways will go head-to-head on Saturday at Top Iron Oval while Mullewa and Brigades will play and GBSC Sports Park on Saturday at 5pm. The only Sunday match will be Towns vs. Northampton.

Soccer

Chapman Athletic had a huge 6-nil win over La Fiamma in round three of the Men’s A-grade competition two weeks ago. Rovers managed one goal against Olympic FC but it wasn’t enough and Olympic netted 4 goals. It was an absolute thumping in the women’s match between Chapman Athletic and Batavia United with Chapman Athletic booting a high 15 goals to Batavia’s none. Scores were all level in the Olympic vs La Fiamma Scorchers with the final whistle sounding and scores were 3-all. It was a tight match-up between Saints and La Fiamma Red but it was the Saints who took home the 2-1 win. In the other women’s match it was Rovers who trumped Marconi 2-0. This week’s match results will be published on Monday.

Hockey

It was a scoreless for the women’s Murchison and Australs’ game with either side able to make a clean break. Cardinals were just too good for Yacht Club as they walked away with a 4-0 win.

Basketball community mourns the loss of Ruth

It is with great sadness that the Geraldton community said goodbye to a well-known local, Ruth Rogers, over the weekend.

The Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association are mourning the loss of the well-known basketball identity with hundreds of messages of support and tributes pouring in from the basketball community.

“What amazing lady who gave so much of time to Geraldton basketball.” -Gerard

“So sad to hear this Ruth was always a smiling face. She will be missed by so many. Rest in peace Ruthy.” -Emma

“RIP Ruthy Ruth Rogers who is going to keep us old vets inline now tough as nails and never showed the world the struggle you've had over the last few years. At rest now and I'm sure keeping an eye on the clocks at basketball forever.” - Scott

It was very rare for Ruth to not be at basketball most nights and she loved her time volunteering with the local association.

Ruth started with GABA in 1985 and in that time she has been a player, a life member, a referee, a director, scorebench official at Buccaneers home games, and many would know her most as games controller.

On a Facebook post from GABA yesterday, the association paid their condolences to one of the GABA’s most dedicated volunteers.

“It is with great sadness that we today announce the passing of one of our newest Life Members of the Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association, Ruth Rogers,” the post said.

“We are saddened by the loss of this terrific lady within the basketball community and we pass on our condolences to Ruth's family at this time.”

In a GABA publication late last year, Ruth said basketball gave her a place to socialise.

“I absolutely love the social side of it,” she said.

“I love coming out here and seeing everyone.”

Ruth had battled cancer for some years and passed away in Perth over the weekend at the age of 64.

On Thursday the community will show their respect for Ruth and a Facebook Page named “Tribute to Ruth”, is calling on everything to “Pull out your basketball singlet and wear it all day Thursday as a tribute to this wonderful woman”.

Weekly Sports Wrap Up

Basketball A shot just before the buzzer saw the Geraldton Buccaneers take victory over the Mandurah Magic, 92-90. It was a thrilling match for the crowd as they packed into the Activewest Stadium and the crowd roared unlike before as Bennie Lewis hit the winning goal for the home side to secure the win. Carter Cook was a stand out for the match and it was as close as they come with scores 90-all with just seconds left in the game. The Buccaneers sit on first spot on the SBL ladder ahead of the Rockingham Flames.

Football GNFL

It was a close match up between Towns and Rovers on the weekend as Towns maintain their first position spot on the GNFL ladder after a close 119-114 win. It wasn't so much of a close affair between Brigades and Northampton with the Rams only managing 35 points and the Hawks booting an impressive 181 points. The last game of the weekend saw Mullewa and Chapman Valley go head-to-head. Chapman Valley couldn't find the strength to get in reach of their opponents and Mullewa managed a 149-80 point win.

Netball

It came down to the wire in the Falcons vs Kazuals match with Aztecs managing a 2-goal win. Aztecs held the lead for the majority of the game but Kazuals gave it all they had to claw they way back and with just minutes left in the game it was 43-all. A goal from Aztecs but them 1 ahead but with their centre pass another swift goal saw the final score 45-43. Falcons annihilated Lightning in a 44-goal win on Tuesday night. Falcons are surging through the season with some big wins and it seems as though they still look prime to take this year's cup.

Hockey

It was a 3-1 win to Rovers over Saints in Saturday in the Men's A-grade match and it was Casuals who secured an easy 4-1 win against Australs on Friday night. A last goal haul by Australs in the women's A-grade match saw them defeat Swans 3-1.

Check out this amazing Buzzer Beater to get the Buccs home

[tentblogger-youtube bp2nUm9yTp4] The Geraldton Buccs snuck home with a win Saturday night after a game winning field goal from #22 Bennie Lewis.

The final score was Buccs 92 to Mandurah Magic 90.

Thanks Mel for sharing this sweet clip of the game winning buzzer beater.